Director Denis Villeneuve is preparing to return to Arrakis. For several years, the visionary behind Dune Part One and Part Two has expressed his desire to create a third film, Dune Messiah, although he initially planned to take a break first. Recently, Warner Bros. announced a December 2026 release date for his upcoming project, prompting Villeneuve to reconsider his timeline.
In a recent interview with Deadline, Villeneuve mentioned, "I thought that after Part Two I would take a break, retreat to the woods, and stay there for a while to recover. But the woods didn’t quite suit me, and I realized I would return to filmmaking sooner than expected. But that’s all I can reveal."
Villeneuve has been actively working on the script for Dune Messiah, set 12 years after the events of Dune Part Two, and disclosed that he is still deeply immersed in this process. He stated, "I’m in the writing zone right now." Furthermore, Villeneuve sees Dune Part One and Part Two as a complete story, while Messiah represents a new chapter.
He explained, "Like Herbert did with Dune Messiah, I think it’s a great idea to create something entirely different. The story occurs 12 years after we left the characters at the end of Part Two. Their journey and narrative diverge this time, and that’s why I say it’s the same world, but a new film with new circumstances."
While details remain limited, Villeneuve confirmed the anticipated return of key characters: Timothée Chalamet as Paul, Zendaya as Chani, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Paul’s sister, Alia. "They have to return," Villeneuve stated. "They are part of the main cast when it happens. And more worms. What can I say?"
Depending on Villeneuve’s faithfulness to Dune Messiah, audiences might also witness the return of characters portrayed by Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, and possibly Jason Momoa, a concept that Chalamet discussed in previous years.
Villeneuve did not confirm when filming or the release of the film is expected, but he acknowledged activity aligning with 2026. This aligns with Warner Bros.’ current projections, which suggests that production would need to commence sometime in the following year. While Villeneuve might not get the break he initially desired, the opportunity presents itself to strike while interest in Dune is high.
